Very fine (unread) copy in very fine jacket. Hardcover UK, first printing and true first edition. Not a remainder nor ex-library. The Second Volume in the Chronicles of Magravandias, preceded by Sea Dragon Heir. The boy Shan is left physically and emotionally abused by invading Magravandian soldiers. He's adopted by a Mage, who will teach this boy to use magic as a weapon, and hone his hatred of the Magravandian Empire. Classify it as Gothic fantasy, but really sociological and psychological storytelling at its best, set in the fantastical land of Magravandia. Full color, wrap-around jacket illustration by Anne Sudworth.